Islam Is Broader Than Rituals

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What is Intended

Islam, for Muhammad Shahrur, is not merely religious rituals; rather, it is the common denominator linked to God and to human values. Therefore, it is a framework broader than narrow ritual practice, and it is grounded in an inclusive meaning rather than in confinement to a single pattern.

The Atom’s Structure in the Atlas

  • Type of argument: definitional
  • Movement of the argument: it defines Islam as a comprehensive human framework, not merely ritual observance.
  • Key terms: Islam, rituals, human values, common denominator.
  • Degree of centrality: central.

This atom expands the meaning of Islam to include universal values and the human dimension, and prevents confining it to the performance of rituals alone.

Basis

  • Supporting text: “Islam: in his view, it is the common denominator, linked to God and human values.”

Basis in the Book

  • Book: The Qur’an in Contemporary Thought.
  • Location: in the first section of the book, within the definition of Islam as a common denominator among people.
  • Type of basis: close evidence.
  • Verifying marker: a level word
  • Reading note: this passage is a suitable basis because it makes Islam an inclusive meaning that goes beyond narrow ritual boundaries, which matches the spirit of the atom.

Degree of Documentation

  • Level: directly documented
  • Meaning of the level: the atom relies on an explicit witness close to the wording of the claim.
  • Limits of reading: the formulation above is an analytical summary and should not be treated as a verbatim quotation unless the witness is transmitted word for word.

Function in the Book

Its function here is definitional; it establishes a meaning or conceptual distinction on which Shahrur relies in building the idea.

Editorial Note

The wording is interpretive and remains within the limits of the witness.

Graph View

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Muhammad Shahrur Atlas